Gardener

Position Summary: The Flip Flop Ranch garden has been neglected and we are in need of someone passionate about starting a teaching garden. The Gardener is responsible for the Flip Flop Ranch organic garden, vineyard and orchard. The Gardener helps with farm chores as needed or directed. This position requires living on-site in housing provided by Flip Flop Ranch.

Primary Responsibilities: Maintains the Flip Flop Ranch garden in a sustainable, bountiful, attractive and accessible manner, consistent with available budget and aligned with the teaching mission of Flip Flop Ranch. Develops and implements annual planting and harvesting and routine garden maintenance including soil preparation, garden bed and trellis construction, crop rotation, propagation, watering, transplanting, weed and pest control, mulching, pruning and feeding of all plants and fruit trees. Designs and maintains irrigation systems. Leads regular garden work sessions with volunteers and staff. Trains and educates volunteers and staff in garden techniques and methods. Leads effort to grow as much produce onsite for ranch residents as possible and sells extra produce at the local farmers markets. Manages all composting activities in garden and around ranch. Coordinates regularly with program staff to integrate teaching programs with garden activities; supervises volunteers’ work in the garden and leads teaching programs and garden workshops. Provides regular input to program director about needed repairs and ideas for improving ranch garden. Maintains barn and tools in clean and safe working order. Trains and orients all volunteers, interns and staff on proper use of garden tools. Orders all tools and supplies needed for garden and plant restoration work. Prepares garden for special programs and events.

Other Responsibilities: Coordinates with Ranch Management Team to seek help and attract volunteers with garden work as needed and to assist with any and all chores needed to maintain the garden and animals. Coordinates and leads volunteer groups that come to work at Flip Flop Ranch; develops regular volunteer program for garden and plant restoration. As a member of the community at Flip Flop Ranch, participates in residential chores, meetings, cleanup and cooking and helps coordinate training as needed.

Qualifications: Commitment to sustainable farming and environmental education. Proven experience with cultivating and maintaining food and flower gardens using organic/sustainable methods. Experience gardening without use of motorized implements. Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform strenuous outdoor tasks related to garden maintenance. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Self starter with excellent organizational, time management and computer skills a plus. Teaching experience required. Ability to work closely and collaborate with a wide variety of people. Clean DMV record and valid driver’s license required. High school diploma and 3 – 5 years horticultural experience.

Compensation: This is a full time, residential position with a stipend of $400/month and the possibility to make more through selling produce at the farmer’s market. Room and board, paid holidays and vacation. Housing is on-site and rustic, in a beautiful isolated area of the high desert in Southern California.

To Apply: No phone calls please. Please email your resume, cover letter and three references. This position is open until filled. In the cover letter, indicate why this position is of interest to you; describe any relevant experience in training, supervising, teaching, environmental education, agriculture, and previous experience living in a community.